Malaysia warns of foreign intervention in Malacca Strait if piracy isn't curbed

AP says Malaysia warns of foreign intervention in Malacca Strait if piracy isn't curbed

Foreign governments will want to get involved in providing security in the Malacca Strait if piracy in the busy shipping lane isn't curbed quickly, Malaysia's deputy prime minister said Saturday.

Najib Razak's comments came a day after armed pirates stormed a Japanese-owned bulk carrier in the strait, stealing cash from the vessel's safe in the fourth pirate attack there since late February.

"I believe that the international community will pressure us if we cannot (stop the piracy)," Najib was quoted as saying by the national news agency Bernama. "The pressure from them will mount."

Probably right, especially since Japan is so dependent on this sea lane for its oil supply (90% of its oil is shipped through the Malacca Strait). And so are other countries as shown on this map:



It is a question of sovereignty. And money, since it costs a great deal to effectively patrol the Strait and Indonesia and Malaysia derive some, but not a large amount of revenue from being located on one of the most important sealanes in the world.

Update: See this, too.